LATEST ADDITIONS

George Schaub  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

One look at the specs of this new Tamron zoom and you'll understand why
it's immediately attractive to anyone carrying around a digital SLR in
their day bag. Weighing in at around 15 oz and measuring just under 3x3.2",
the lens is quite the marvel of size for what it delivers in focal length and
aperture options. Indeed, if someone told me that a constant aperture, 17mm
wide lens would be this size a few years back I'd have thought they had
lost their optical marbles. To be fair, however, that 17mm is not really a 17mm
in 35mm equivalent, thus practical terms, and I wonder why lenses like this
are still labeled that way. This lens is only for APS-C sensors, which means
it has the "35mm equivalent" of a 27mm wide angle view and 80mm
tele.


Tamron's new 17-50mm zoom, available in Canon, Nikon, Konica
Minolta (read Sony), and Pentax (read Samsung) mounts is highly
portable and compact.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

Eastman Kodak Company is extending its partnership with Leica Camera AG to
provide image sensors for the newly announced LEICA M8. The new KODAK KAF-10500
image sensor was developed specifically for use with the M8, and marks Kodak's
second collaboration with Leica, building on the success of Kodak's interaction
with Leica on the LEICA DIGITAL-MODULE-R.



The first digital camera to use the Leica viewfinder system, the LEICA M8 extends
the Leica M series into the digital world. By working closely with Leica, Kodak
designed and optimized the new image sensor to meet the demanding needs of Leica
photographers.



With a resolution of over 10 million pixels, the KAF-10500 continues Kodak's
legacy of offering high performance imaging devices that leverage Kodak's
Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) technology for low noise, high sensitivity, and wide
dynamic range. Utilizing a 6.8µm pixel architecture, the sensor uses an
optimized microlens configuration to maximize center to corner uniformity for
improved image quality, particularly important for the broad incident light
angles associated with M series lenses. The sensor also includes anti-blooming
protection to prevent against image corruption during high light level conditions.



For more information on the KAF-10500 image sensor, visit www.kodak.com/go/imagers.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

Unibind http://www.unibind.com,
has announced that it will demo the Unibind Professional Series XU138 Book Creator
for the first time at Photokina.



This do-it-yourself binding system is said to be perfect for weddings or other
special occasions. Priced at $455.00, XU138 binding machine can help generate
additional income for wedding photographers by allowing them to offer their
wedding customers hard-cover 8 ½" x 11" personalized wedding
photobooks/albums during or after photographing an event. The wedding party
can also quickly create their own wedding photobooks/albums the day of the wedding
to give out at the reception using a digital camera, photo printer and Unibind
XU138 at the wedding.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

Pentax Imaging Company has announced the Pentax K10D digital SLR camera with
10.2 effective megapixels and a host of advanced technologies including a Pentax-developed
Shake Reduction (SR) system and a weather- resistant body.



The most significant features in the K10D include a Pentax-developed Shake Reduction
(SR) system that effectively offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp, blur-free
images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto
photography or low light settings without a flash. The system does not require
special anti-shake lenses and can be used with more than 24 million Pentax lenses
produced since 1964.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

While film news here will be scant, Kodak did introduce two new color negative
films, actually updates on their professional Portra emulsions in the ISO 100
and 400 speeds. There are four in all, with two being NC ("natural color")
and two being VC ("vivid color.") The retouching layer has been eliminated
from the back side of the film, making them eminently more scannable. Kodak says
that it has incorporated all their latest research into these films making them
finer grain, sharper and with better color and dynamic range than films in the
past. True, if there's one thing film has over digital it is the ability
to handle a wider exposure range, especially in the highlight values.



www.kodak.com ...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

Continuing its courtship of professional and advanced amateur photographers
who wish to make their own prints, Hp has announced the amateur-oriented 8350,
an A3 (13x19) size, 6-ink printer, and two new large format DesignJet printers,
models 2100 and 3100, both of which are available in 24 in and 44 in models.
The difference is that the 2100 is an 8-ink printer and the Z3100 is a 12-ink
printer.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

The Leica Digilux 3 is an interchangeable lens DSLR using the Four/Thirds system
lens mount. The kit lens is a Vario-Elmar 28-100mm lens. This 7.5MP has a LiveMOS
sensor for viewing while shooting and an integral image stabilization system.
The monityor preview permits a check on exposure and white balance prior to
talking the picture. ISO speeds are 100-1600, with a shutter speed range of
1/4000-60 sec, plus Bulb.



www.leica.com

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

The Leica M8 marks the digitization of the famous Leica M line of rangefinder
cameras. The 10+ MP sensor, designed specifically for this camera, has a "native"
speed of 160, with a maximum ISO setting of 2500. Available later this year,
the M8 retains the classic Leica rangefinder look and feel, even down to the
baseplate cover removal for insertion of the memory card. Standard M lenses
made since 1954 will fit the mount, with a 1.33 focal length multiplication
factor. A new lens, the Tri-Elmar 16-21mm, has been introduced with the camera
as well. This, and all lenses made by Leica from July 1, 2006 onwards will have
special 6-bit coding on the bayonet ring, allowing lens data and special processing
instructions to be transferred to the image processor. Lenses made prior to
that date can be retrofitted with the coding, but can be used without it as
well.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

Leaf has debuted its new Leaf Aptus S-Series at Photokina. The three new digital
camera backs: Leaf Aptus 75S, Leaf Aptus 65S, and Leaf Aptus 54S-- feature
record-breaking speed rates and unlimited burst depths.



The Leaf Aptus S-Series camera backs have the capability to deliver exceptional
shooting speeds from 0.8 seconds per frame--or as many as 75 frames per
minute--with unlimited burst depths. The design incorporates advanced,
accelerated image-processing hardware, including a new, lossless image-compression
engine, designed to achieve record-breaking speeds. Leaf has significantly accelerated
shooting speed by doubling the CCD sensor readout speed, and has also doubled
the buffer size to effectively support unlimited burst depths. The new S-Series
maximizes the newest Sandisk CompactFlash Extreme IV card technology for portable
shooting. The camera backs support the latest Firewire 800 standard for data
transfer of up to 800Mbps and sensitivity levels up to 800 ISO.



The Leaf Aptus is the world's first and only camera back with a built-in
6 x 7 cm touch screen LCD. This design innovation enables professional photographers
to work intuitively, accessing any point on the RAW image with one touch for
quick evaluation. The large touch screen gives one-tap access to a range of
essential functions and predefined settings that are typically needed before
and during a photo shoot. The interface can be accessed in six languages, including
Chinese and Japanese.



New Leaf Capture 10 versions for PC and Intel Mac

The latest version of Leaf Capture 10.1 now includes live video, a new temperature
slider, and additional new features. Leaf is also launching a PC version of
Leaf Capture 10. Designed for simplicity, the Leaf Capture 10 application is
the ideal shooting partner for professional photographers. The software supports
real-time adjustment and perfection of images while the photos are being taken,
using one clear, simple window to perform the tasks and view the results. With
the ability to view Leaf RAW images 1:1, photographers can see the true data
from their shots and check essential settings. The ease and efficiency of this
operation deliver significant timesavings and productivity gains.



At the show Leaf is showcasing three demonstration studios to represent a commercial
studio, a fashion shoot, and a surprise main attraction.

For additional information visit: www.leaf-photography.com.


...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Sep 26, 2006  |  0 comments

In stores mid-September, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is offered in both
sleek brushed silver patina and "pro" matte black finishes. It is
available in two kit configurations: with and without Canon's high quality
EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens. The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera will be
available for an estimated selling price $899* with the zoom lens kit, while
the body only kit will carry and estimated selling price of $799*. In order
to maintain an appropriate pricing structure, the Digital Rebel XT model will
carry an adjusted estimated selling price of $799* with the zoom lens kit and
$699* for the body only kit.

...

Pages

X